A kitchen renovation can completely transform a dated or dysfunctional space into a stunning showpiece that reflects your personal style. This week’s featured kitchen is a perfect example of how to marry midcentury charm with modern amenities for a timeless and inviting result.
Introduction
This suburban home built in the 1950s had a cramped galley kitchen typical of its era. The current owners wanted to open it up and give it a fresh, contemporary vibe while retaining some of the home’s original midcentury details. They achieved this balance beautifully, creating a kitchen that feels both nostalgic and brand new.
From the cool blue cabinetry to the sleek stainless appliances, every design choice was made to optimize function and form. Smart storage solutions coupled with an airy, open layout allow this kitchen to feel much larger than its footprint. Pops of color and key vintage elements pay homage to its midcentury roots.
Read on for an in-depth look at how the owners artfully blended modern and vintage elements to create their dream kitchen. Whether renovating a dated midcentury home or seeking inspiration for integrating some retro flair, there are many takeaways to glean from this stylish space.
Blending Vintage and Contemporary Elements
The owners had a clear vision of marrying midcentury style with contemporary functionality. They worked closely with their contractor and designer to determine which vintage details to preserve and which modern elements to integrate.
Vintage features:
- Original wood ceiling beams – These were preserved and refinished, lending warmth and creating visual interest.
- Brick backsplash – The existing brick backsplash was given new life with a fresh coat of bright white paint.
- Douglas fir floors – Although scarred, the original floors were refinished to maintain the midcentury charm.
Modern updates:
- Cabinetry – Crisp, shaker-style cabinetry in a bold royal blue hue feels fresh and current.
- Countertops – White quartz countertops complement the cabinetry and create a streamlined look.
- Stainless steel appliances – Commercial grade appliances introduce modern convenience.
- Pendant lighting – Sleek black metal pendants with exposed bulbs fit the modern aesthetic.
Thoughtfully combining these elements allows this kitchen to feel connected to the home’s roots while also looking reinvented. The cohesive blend of vintage spirit and contemporary styling creates a transitional look with timeless appeal.
Layout and Floor Plan
Changing the layout was key to optimizing the functionality of the original narrow galley kitchen. The owners prioritized creating a more open, efficient flow.
Key changes:
- Removed wall separating kitchen from dining room – This opened up the space dramatically.
- Relocated appliances and sink – Grouping the refrigerator, oven, and sink together in one area streamlines work triangles.
- Added a kitchen island – The large central island provides extra prep space and casual dining.
- Widened doorway opening – With no walls between the kitchen and adjacent rooms, the wider opening helps the spaces feel connected.
Kept original:
- Footprint/location – The kitchen remained in the same area of the home, important for plumbing and airflow.
- Backdoor area – Keeping the existing backdoor location provided easy access to the yard.
The revamped layout feels far more spacious, airy, and connected to the rest of the home. It also allows for multiple people to cook, dine, and mingle comfortably throughout the space.
Cabinetry
The royal blue cabinetry makes a bold statement and provides much needed storage.
Design details:
- Color – The rich blue hue contrasts beautifully with the white countertops and backsplash. The eye-catching color feels current.
- Style – Shaker-style cabinets with recessed panel fronts are a versatile and timeless choice.
- Finish – A smooth, satin finish was chosen for its durability and clean look.
- Hardware – Sleek silver bar pulls complement the contemporary style.
Functional elements:
- Full-height corner cabinet – The floor-to-ceiling cabinet maximizes unused corner space.
- Deep drawers – Multiple large drawers store cookware efficiently and are easy to access.
- Roll-out trays – Roll-out trays in base cabinets optimize interior storage space.
- Glass front uppers – Glass front upper cabinets display dishware beautifully while keeping dust at bay.
By selecting stylish, highly functional cabinetry the owners gained plentiful storage for everything from dishes to pantry items. The blue color scheme gives the new cabinetry a customized, bespoke feel.
Countertops
Crisp white quartz countertops offer beauty and durability.
Benefits of quartz:
- Neutral coloring – Quartz offers a bright white surface that pairs well with the blue cabinetry and reflects light beautifully.
- Low maintenance – Quartz resists scratches, stains, and heat damage with little upkeep required.
- Seamless look – Large slabs of quartz create a streamlined look as patterns flow smoothly across the surface.
Design details:
- Waterfall edge on island – The quartz waterfall edge adds dramatic style to the large island.
- Bright white hue – The fresh white color complements the vintage brick backsplash.
- Thick 3cm slab – The thicker quartz material has a luxurious, substantial feel.
By selecting a durable, low-maintenance quartz in a crisp white the owners achieved a light, contemporary look perfect for their transitional kitchen. Quartz requires very little care while offering superior functionality.
Backsplash
The original brick backsplash was given new life with a coat of bright white paint. This small detail helped transform the overall look.
Benefits of a painted brick backsplash:
- Preserves vintage charm – Keeping the original brick allows the new kitchen to retain some of the home’s midcentury character.
- Cost-effective – Painting the existing brick is far less expensive than installing a new backsplash.
- Fresh color – The white paint gives the old brick a clean, updated look.
- Texture – The natural patina and imperfections of the old brick provide visual interest and dimension.
Tips for painting brick:
- Clean thoroughly – Use TSP cleaner to remove grease and oils from old brick before painting.
- Seal first – Seal the brick with a specialty primer/sealer designed for masonry.
- Use latex paint – Latex paint adheres best to slick brick surfaces. Use a semi-gloss sheen for washability.
- Expect imperfections – Don’t expect a perfectly smooth painted surface on old brick. The natural worn character remains.
Painting the existing brick backsplash white helped modernize the kitchen economically while retaining the home’s original craftsmanship. This simple facelift made a dramatic difference.
Flooring
The existing fir floors were refinished to preserve the midcentury charm.
Benefits of refinishing:
- Maintains vintage appeal – Keeping the wood floors helps the new kitchen feel connected to the home’s original character.
- Cost savings – Refinishing avoided the high costs of ripping out and replacing the floors.
- Sustainable – Refinishing reuses existing materials, avoiding landfill waste.
- Matches home – New fir floors would not match other rooms’ existing old fir floors.
Process:
- Repair damaged boards – Damaged planks were repaired or replaced to create an even surface.
- Sand away old finish – Drum sanders removed the existing stained finish and smooth away dents.
- Stain to desired tone – A lighter, warm-hued stain was applied to feel fresh.
- Seal and finish – Multiple coats of water-based urethane were rolled on for protection.
Despite being worn and dingy, the original Douglas fir floors were revived to feel like new again. Their preserved patina adds warmth and history to the remodeled kitchen.
Lighting
A mix of lighting sources creates ambience, task lighting, and visual harmony.
Main statement light:
- 3 black pendant lamps – Three matching dome pendants hang above the kitchen island lending an industrial modern touch. Their black metal finish and exposed bulbs coordinate with the appliances and hardware.
Task lighting:
- Under cabinet LED strips – Discreet LED strips mounted under the upper cabinets provide focused light for countertop tasks.
- Recessed ceiling cans – Recessed cans supplemented by the pendants distribute a general wash of light throughout the kitchen.
Decorative lighting:
- Glass front cabinet lighting – Interior lighting inside the glass front upper cabinets creates a soft glow and highlights displayed items.
- Window over sink – The large window over the sink supplies great natural light, limiting the need for daytime fixtures.
The combination of streamlined black pendants, utilitarian under cabinet lighting, and ambient overall illumination checks the boxes for style, function, and visual harmony.
Floor Plan
This simplified floor plan illustrates how opening walls, relocating appliances, and adding an island optimized the kitchen’s layout within its existing footprint.
Key changes:
- Removed wall separating kitchen and dining room
- Relocated appliances to one wall
- Added large central island
- Widened doorway opening
Kept original:
- Backdoor area
- Overall kitchen footprint/location
By making a few structural changes without altering the basic layout, the kitchen was transformed into a highly functional, open concept space.
Storage Solutions
Innovative storage was included throughout the new kitchen to maximize usable space.
- Full-height corner cabinet – This specialized tall cabinet takes advantage of a tricky wasted space.
- Deep drawers – Extra deep drawers store bulky cookware easily and pull out fully for access.
- Roll-out trays – Base cabinets include pull-out trays on smooth metal tracks, creating organized “pantry” spaces.
- Pegged pot rack – An open pegged rack allows for vertical pots and pan storage, saving cabinet space.
- Under sink roll-out – Pull-out trays under the sink keep cleaning supplies organized and easy to access.
Small changes like opting for full-extension drawers, using cabinet blind corner organizers, and adding pull-out trays optimize every inch of storage capacity.
Design Concepts and Details
Several key design concepts inform the look, feel, and functionality of this kitchen.
Transitional Style: Blending midcentury and contemporary elements creates a versatile, timeless transitional style with broad appeal.
Earth Tones: A calming neutral color palette of white, black, brown, and blue keeps the look cohesive. Crisp white quartz countertops pair beautifully with the rich blue cabinetry against the warm wood flooring.
High Contrast: Contrast comes from the mix of materials and colors. The sleek white countertops pop against the colorful wood cabinetry. Stainless appliances provide sheen.
Emphasis on Lines: Clean horizontal lines can be seen in the cabinetry, backsplash, countertops, and ceiling beams. Vertical lines come from the brick patterns and wood floor planks.
Industrial Touches: The commercial style stainless appliances and black pendant lamps lend subtle industrial flair.
These concepts unite to create an inviting, aesthetically pleasing kitchen suited for everyday life. The melding of vintage and contemporary elements means this kitchen will remain stylish for years to come.
Splurge-Worthy Upgrades
The owners stretched their renovation budget by choosing more affordable finishes and splurging selectively on special features.
Big Splurges:
- Professional grade appliances – Top quality pro-style ranges, ovens, and refrigerators ensure performance.
- Thick quartz countertops – 3 cm quartz provides a luxurious look and feel.
- Matching pendant lights – Grouping three identical designer pendants makes a striking statement.
Savings:
- Painted original brick backsplash – Much less costly than new backsplash materials.
- Refinished existing floors – Far cheaper than replacing floors.
- Mix of cabinetry – Balancing custom cabinetry with stock cabinetry saved costs.
By indulging in upscale appliances, luxe countertops, and statement lighting, they injected high-end elements where it counted most. The result feels cohesive, custom, and expensive.
Concept Sketches
Early in the design phase, the owners collaborated with their kitchen designer to brainstorm layout options. They provided these rough concept sketches showing their goals.
These initial sketches were helpful for envisioning the new kitchen footprint and communicating must-haves. Key changes like removing walls, adding an island, shifting appliances, and opening doorways can be seen taking shape in these rough plans.
While the final layout differs slightly, these early sketches formed the blueprint for an efficient, open concept kitchen tailored to the family’s lifestyle. Having an outline to refer back to ensured the big picture vision stayed on track throughout the renovation process.
Midcentury to Modern Mood Board
The owners curated inspiration images to illustrate the look they envisioned for their remodeled kitchen. Here are some key images from their design mood board:
From color schemes to flooring to cabinets, these inspirational images helped convey the desired aesthetic. A blend of midcentury warmth and modern minimalism can be seen taking shape in this curated collection of photos.
The royal blue cabinetry, checkerboard floor motif, and sleek appliances all made the mood board and became integral elements in the final kitchen. Having this visual reference was invaluable for the owners, contractor, and designer. It ensured everyone was on the same page visually during decision making.
Advice for Achieving This Look
Love the look of this updated midcentury kitchen? Here are some top tips for accomplishing something similar:
Research era-appropriate design: Study midcentury architecture and style to decide which elements to preserve. Authentic details add character.
Determine your aesthetic: Are you drawn to atomic or retro 60s style? Or more streamlined Scandinavian midcentury style? Defining this helps guide choices.
Mix old and new: Blend a few key vintage features with new materials and textures for a cohesive transitional look.
Open up the space: Remove unnecessary walls and doorways to improve flow if possible. Opening sight lines makes a difference.
Incorporatesleek finishes: Freshly painted cabinets, glossy new countertops, and stainless appliances make a statement.
Add pops of color: Include bold or contrasting color accents on one or two focal points like cabinets or an island.
Upgrade lighting: Statement pendants and task lighting create ambience and function. Don’t forget under cabinet lighting.
Use high-quality materials: Invest in solid surface countertops and full overlay cabinetry. Choose durable finishes.
Maximize storage: Add elements like roll-outs, deep drawers and specialty pull-outs to keep items organized but accessible.
With careful planning and design, you can reimagine a dated midcentury kitchen to feel fresh and new while retaining its unique retro charm and appeal.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about renovating and updating a midcentury kitchen:
How much do kitchen renovations typically cost?
Kitchen remodels can range greatly in cost from $20,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the scale, materials used, and customization involved. Budget approximately $135-$175 per square foot for a full renovation.
What are some budget-friendly ways to update a midcentury kitchen?
Painting cabinets, installing new hardware, refinishing floors, and painting existing tile backsplashes can refresh the look for much less. Focus on simple cosmetic updates.
Should I try to preserve any original midcentury elements?
It’s often worth salvaging a unique focal point like brickwork or lighting. This adds character. But don’t feel obligated to keep dysfunctional or worn-out components.
How can I make a small, closed-off midcentury kitchen feel more open?
Removing walls between the kitchen and adjacent rooms helps. Also consider larger passageways between rooms. Swapping overhead cabinets for open shelves also makes small kitchens feel less cramped.
What are some hallmarks of midcentury style to incorporate?
Vintage pendant lighting, atomic starburst patterns, earth tone colors, cork flooring, retro appliances like turquoise fridges, tile wainscoting, and wood slab cabinetry capture that midcentury vibe.
Should my countertops match my midcentury-inspired cabinetry?
Not necessarily. Contrasting countertops in materials like quartz, laminate, or butcher block can complement color layered cabinets nicely. Just ensure your cabinet and countertop tones coordinate.
Conclusion
This kitchen remodel offers invaluable inspiration for thoughtfully merging midcentury foundations with contemporary styling. By preserving the original charm while also introducing current elements, the home’s midcentury roots shine through with fresh new appeal.
From its muted earth tone color scheme to its nods to signature 1950s architecture, this space celebrates the home’s unique character. At the same time, the smart layout and modern upgrades provide an enjoyable, practical kitchen suited for 21st century living.
With meticulous attention to detail and seamless blending of eras, the owners achieved their ideal vision. Their kitchen suits an active family, provides beautiful culinary staging grounds, and feels like a retreat.
This is a room destined to be enjoyed morning, noon, and night for years to come. Its timeless charm and balance of yesterday’s warmth with today’s convenience is a formula worth replicating.
